Practice incessantly and be your biggest critic. Better yet, get someone else to critique your performance, while still offering constructive advice. It’s really important to rely on someone whom you know and trust to be completely honest, such as a family member or friend.

Most appearances come about because you’re an expert in a particular field, but avoid using technical language or jargon. I also try to avoid scripts, which often make a performance come over as staid.

The hosts or interviewers are seasoned professionals and will be on hand to give micro cues, so pay attention to them. To really get your point across, stay quiet until you’re asked a question or given a pause to speak – there’s nothing worse than talking over or interrupting the host or fellow panelists.

After the event itself, get a hold of a video clip and even screen grabs to use for blogs, marketing and PR. Don’t shy away from using these as part of your introduction at networking events. I keep a media CV, which lists all of my media appearances and is incredibly handy to have as a reference.

‘Meet the presenter to get a feel for their style’

Sally Bunkham, founder, Mum’s Back

It’s absolutely essential to get a brief from the presenter or producers on the topics that they want you to cover. Find out who the presenter is and who else will be on with you and, if you can, do a little research into their opinion and style.

It’s also a good idea to research the backdrop of the set so that you wear something appropriate. Steer clear of stripes and heavy patterns.
“Don’t cross your arms or look at the floor”, Hayley Smith, Boxed Out PR

Try to meet the presenter first to get a feel for their style. They will usually come and meet you quickly beforehand – then it’s just a case of treating it like any normal conversation. Make sure that you listen, because there’s nothing worse than someone who just blurts out their agenda without listening to the question or others’ opinions.

I use the fact that I’ve worked with the BBC, Channel 5 and others in my biography and state what my area of expertise is, along with clips and a contact number. Making yourself as accessible as possible for future opportunities is key.

‘Body language is incredibly important’

Hayley Smith, founder, Boxed Out PR

Before the interview, I usually focus on the key message that I want to get across. I then research and find facts and figures to support my points. Data and references will also help you to feel more in control and focus better on what you’re talking about.

I usually use social media to plan, asking people what they think I should be talking about. It’s important to get people engaged with your appearance, because they’re more likely to support and share it.
“Use the platform to speak for your industry”

Danny Curran, Finders International

Arrive nice and early so that you can relax, and take your time; the TV team will sometimes do your hair and make-up, which is quite therapeutic and a great way to get mentally prepared. Body language is incredibly important when you’re on TV, so don’t cross your arms or feet, or look at the floor. Make eye contact and mark your authority and smile.

After the interview, tweet the producers and presenters with behind-the-scenes images, thanking them for having you and use the right hashtags. You could also do a Facebook Live video to tell your followers about the experience.

‘A big mistake is to apply your ego to the process’

Danny Curran, founder, Finders International

Focus on talking to the people in front of you and ignore the fact that a much larger audience exists beyond the cameras.

Assuming the appearance has gone well, it can be integrated into your core marketing and referenced as a definitive moment; a TV show asking for your advice or opinion on a significant issue is a recognition of your hard-earned reputation, which is no small feat.

The important part is to build on TV exposure and not to rest on your laurels. Reputation is hard-won and once you find yourself being given the platform to speak authoritatively for your industry, you can use it to make positive changes for the better. A big mistake is to apply your ego to the process, so focus on adding value – make your subject matter seem interesting to an audience that may otherwise never be exposed to it.

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RT @MayorofLondon From Mon 15 June, face coverings will become mandatory on public transport in our city. I have lobbied the Government for weeks on this issue - evidence from around the world shows that face coverings can help slow the spread of #COVID19pic.twitter.com/OGkfaQRUYb

Probate Property Sales & Services
We offer to manage a property for the estate administrator or client including handling all the legal work, searches, and the sale of the property. This saves considerable time, effort, and expense and minimises risk by using a tried, trusted, and compliant network.

UK Missing Asset Service
Our new and improved UK asset search draws together all the resources that can currently be checked for unclaimed or missing assets and will help you check for funds that may have been overlooked or deposited in accounts that have been forgotten.

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If you are dealing with an Intestacy but need to check for a Will, or you hold a Will and are unsure if a more recent Will was made, Finders can help with our thorough and inexpensive, insurance approved Will searches.

Overseas Bankruptcy Searches
Before making distribution of estate funds to beneficiaries, it is strongly advised to run an international and domestic bankruptcy search against each heir in line to inherit for the protection of the Personal Representatives. Overseas cases are not always straightforward, and this is where Finders International takes over the reins and provides you with the best practices and specialists in this area.

International Asset Service
Our International Asset Service provides consultative and practical support to private clients and Wills and probate practitioners. We offer a variety of services to help deal with the existence of foreign assets, including helping to sell, transfer or recover a range of overseas assets including shares, bank accounts, and investment portfolios, assisting estates with the necessary administrative and legal paperwork.

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Finders are the longest standing provider of AVIVA online policies and can arrange Missing Beneficiary Insurance, Missing Will Insurance, and comfort policies. We have a convenient ‘self-approval’ arrangement with AVIVA and can arrange policies without delay. Once our report is completed, we can apply for and obtain draft policies for your consideration instantly.

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Once the final estate value has been established we will be happy to prepare a distribution schedule outlining the monies due to each of the heirs

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The health and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public remains at the forefront of our planning and we have responded to government updates and fully implemented all relevant government advice. Social distancing obligations have been relayed to all staff and representatives and are being observed in accordance with government advice. The vast majority of our team are now working remotely with complete access to our bespoke computer systems thanks to innovative systems created over the years and in line with emergency procedures. These systems continue to adhere to data protection legislation and all clients should remain confident we continue to safeguard their information accordingly.

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UK Probate Research Awards 2019 & 2020

Finders International were proud recipients of awards at the 2019 and 2020 ceremonies, including ‘Best UK Probate Research Firm’.

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Public Sector Development Managers

Dave worked in several diverse local authorities undertaking the statutory role of providing funerals under the Public Health Act. He was responsible for registering deaths, making funeral arrangements, liaising with next of kin and all other duties falling into this sphere. Working in social care, Dave was also responsible for acting as deputy under the Mental Capacity Act for people who lacked the capacity to manage their own financial affairs. Having taken redundancy from his last local authority due to an internal restructuring following cost cutting measures, Dave started working with Finders International in May 2017 developing their business with local authorities. Please feel free to call at 07753306885 or contact him at [email protected]

Elaine Ridley has recently joined Finders International as Public Sector Development Manager, having extensive experience of working for and managing public services.

Formerly employed by a local authority as Coroner’s Service Manager, she has 14 years’ experience. While working in Ireland, she also trained and subsequently volunteered with Cruse Bereavement Care, providing bereavement support for six years.

Prior to this post, Elaine was the Family Liaison in a large physical and mental health NHS Foundation Trust. Providing a consistently high standard of support to families, carers and service users through Serious Incident or Complaint Investigations, she also developed training and presented locally and nationally on the importance of engaging effectively with families.

As with all Finders International Public Sector staff, Elaine is here to help, advise and support the work of hard pressed Bereavement Services Officers at NHS Trusts, Coroners and Local Authorities. Please feel free to call at 07498 322139 or contact her at [email protected].